THE 52-WEEK UNIVERSITY
The first year on a new team for most athletes is crucial for their long term success and impact on the team. Developmental behaviorists have long held that experiences in the early stages of development form lasting and often, unalterable behaviors. These can be either positive or negative. The difference often depends upon the presence of attentive, pro-active training.
The first 52 weeks in the life of a new internal specialist or wholesaler generally begin with a crest of intensive training and attentiveness by managers, mentors and home office support teams. But after the first 30 – 60 days, most new players experience a sudden drop-off of activity. Home office support teams move on to the next wave of recruits. Mentors must attend to their own business. Managers are focused on driving the division’s bottom line by stimulating sales among their top producers.
An extra measure of “hands-on” coaching throughout the new player’s first year can have an immediate impact on sales productivity in the first year, and a long term impact on the player’s value to the organization in future years.
Because the LifeCo team has worked closely with new hires during the recruiting process, we are in a unique position to leverage this expertise to provide “hands-on” coaching and training specifically suited for the newly hired player. These coaching services are delivered over a 52-week period and incorporate a disciplined methodology with measurable objectives and a management-approved curriculum.
With LifeCo assisting in the development of new hires, the manager can function as a true “head coach”, focusing on immediate priorities. At the same time, LifeCo focuses on raising the level of the new hire’s sales productivity, providing a catalyst for achieving excellence within a shorter timeframe.
